Trapital

Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Apple Music and International Content, shares insights from his experience shaping Apple’s music strategy. He reflects on the evolution from iTunes to Apple Music, emphasizing a quality-first and artist-focused approach. Schusser discusses the impact of AI on music experiences and its creative potential. He also details Apple’s involvement in major live events like the Super Bowl Halftime Show and their measured approach to sports rights, all while navigating the challenges of artist compensation in streaming.

Elliot Grainge, founder of 10K Projects and CEO of Atlantic Music Group, shares insights on his recent leadership transition. He reflects on selling 10K Projects and the emotional journey behind it. Elliot discusses how scrappy tactics can be adapted for superstars like Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran, particularly in creating cultural moments and employing real-time marketing strategies. He also explores the impact of AI on the music industry, offering a forward-thinking perspective on artist development and innovation.

Tati Cirisano, an Analyst at MIDiA Research, joins the conversation to dissect the recent Trapital Summit. She reveals the challenges faced, including a surprise venue change due to bankruptcy. The discussion highlights key moments and valuable feedback from attendees. They delve into the roles of AI and industry trends, emphasizing the transformation of artists into multifaceted brands. With reflections on programming decisions and future aspirations, Tati offers insights into how collaboration and authenticity are reshaping the music landscape.

The podcast dives into The Weeknd's ambitious $1 billion music rights financing goal. It explores how his catalog serves as collateral, drawing comparisons to David Bowie's innovative Bowie bonds. The discussion highlights the shifting landscape of music ownership and streaming revenues. Additionally, it honors the late Peter Sinclair, a significant figure in the music industry, while looking forward to an upcoming summit, promising an exciting lineup of speakers.

The podcast dives into how major record labels are transitioning into private equity-like firms, focusing on acquiring legendary music back catalogs instead of signing new artists. It explores the financial shifts driven by streaming royalties, which elevate the value of proven hits. The discussion unveils changes in artist deals, a reduction in risk-taking by labels, and the rise of global investors seeking ownership in music assets. This transformation in the industry hints at a new future for both artists and record companies.

Explore the fascinating world of iconic music catalogs and what makes them so valuable. Discover the intricate dynamics behind legendary artists like Queen and Michael Jackson, and learn how their enduring appeal influences financial success. Dive into the impact of music genres on catalog valuation and the significance of streaming in today’s market. Uncover the future of music rights and what it means for artists and investors alike.

In this episode, we’re revisiting our deep dive on James Dolan’s Sphere in Las Vegas. The Backstreet Boys residency at the Sphere. As we predicted on our 2025 Live Music Draft, the boy band’s apperance at the Vgas spectacle would exceed expectations. So I talk about that before I jump into the episode. Then I’m joined by MIDiA Research’s Tati Cirisano for our deep dive on the mult-billion dollar vision and future of The Sphere. 04:05 Sphere’s Backstory 10:33 Business Model 19:21 Financial Hurdles 28:40 Expansion Plans 33:11 Future Prospects Early bird ticket sales to the Trapital Summit end on Thursday July 24! Get your tickets today before prices go up! Join us on Wednesday September 10 in LA. This episode is presented by State Farm, the home for your small business needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Listen in for our Chartmetric Stat of the Week.

Tuma Basa is the Director of Black Music and Culture at YouTube, previously shaping music at MTV and Spotify. He shares insights on YouTube's evolution and its pivotal role in music promotion. The conversation dives into how artists can harness YouTube's diverse format to engage audiences effectively. Tuma discusses the trend of global music, highlighting the rise of Amapiano and its cultural connections. He also explores the shift in music curation from traditional media to digital platforms, emphasizing a more inclusive landscape.

Exciting news unfolds as a major summit approaches, gathering leaders from music, entertainment, and tech. Notable speakers include Elliot Grainge and Steve Pamon, sharing insights on industry innovations. The event promises valuable networking opportunities and highlights early bird ticket pricing. Sponsors like the Raine Group and Warner Music Group are lending their support, ensuring a stellar lineup. Don't miss this chance to connect with the vanguards shaping the future!

Dive into the competitive world of record labels and the fierce battle for market share. Discover how significant financial decisions are influenced by this metric, raising questions about the value of heavy spending. Unpack the complex dynamics of executive compensation tied to market position and the challenges faced by both major and independent labels. Explore the pressing issues of artist success amidst these pressures, and ponder the impact of stagnant streaming revenues on the future of the music industry.